Useful tips when driving on holiday in the UK and abroad

1. Make sure you are carrying the necessary equipment in your Volkswagen when travelling, particularly abroad, such as a GB sticker displayed on the back of your car.
2. You will need to make sure you are aware of the speed limits and road rules for all of the countries you are driving through or in.
3. Fuel prices can be more expensive in certain areas of the UK and in other countries so it is advisable to fill up your fuel tank before you set off.
4. Driving long distances can be both exhausting and stressful. To avoid feeling this way try planning your journey in advance with planned stops along the way. This insures everybody gets a break from being in the car and the driver can have a short rest from driving.
5. Road tolls can be quite common, particularly abroad. Make sure you know if the roads you plan to travel on will involve a toll fee and try to have the correct change to make life easier.
6. Ensure that everyone in your Volkswagen car is wearing their seat belts, car seats are well fitted with child securely fastened in and that all luggage is secure.
7. Technology such as Sat Nav of Mobile Apps are brilliant when planning a journey but it is also wise to carry a map of the area you are driving in, just in case technology fails you.
8. Make sure you are carrying all the right paperwork with you such as driving licences, travel insurance, passports and V5 registration document if necessary.
9. Keep your passengers happy. If you have children take enough toys and music to keep them entertained. Also take a supply of food and drink, this will come in most handy if you have to stop somewhere without facilities.
10. Finally, make sure before you set off that your Volkswagen is in good condition. There is nothing worse than a holiday being cut short before you have even reached your destination due to a flat tyre or something similar. Take your Volkswagen to your local participating retailer and have a Travel Check done for just £25 for peace of mind.

Potential Passat purchasers now have an even wider model choice, thanks to the introduction of a new R-line trim level and a new, more-efficient 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine.

The R-Line trim brings even more style to the Passat range, with a bespoke bodykit that gives a sleek and sporty image.  At the front, the unique bumper includes fog lights with cornering function, while lowered sports suspension (by 15 mm) and side skirts give a ground-hugging look that’s enhanced by the distinctive rear bumper and 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile 235/40 tyres.  At the rear a bootlid spoiler (tailgate spoiler on the Estate) completes the look.  Chrome trim on the bumpers and window surrounds is offset by dark-tinted rear windows, while standard bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights help the R-Line to stand out, day and night.

The Passat R-Line’s equipment is based on that of the Passat S, and includes Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, DAB digital radio and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel (with gearshift paddles on DSG models). 

The R-Line is available with a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes and a new turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI engine with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes.  All R-Line models feature BlueMotion Technology modifications with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

The 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine is also available in Passat Highline models and the Volkswagen CC, and replaces the 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS unit, while offering lower CO₂ emissions and better fuel economy.

The Passat R-Line is now open for ordering, with the first deliveries expected in June.  The R-Line bodykit (bumpers, side skirts and spoiler) is also available for the Passat Highline and Sport, at £900 RRP including fitting.  For more information see www.volkswagen.co.uk.

The sun is shining, the sky is blue*, it’s Bank Holiday weekend and Volkswagen Retailers across the country are celebrating the brand’s range of drop-top cars with a series of ‘Open Now’ events.  From today until 12 May, Retailers will be showcasing the Golf Cabriolet, Beetle Cabriolet and Eos models in their showrooms, and these events are supported by some great value offers on these cars.

The latest version of the Golf Cabriolet went on sale in 2011.  Safer, more refined, more economical and better value than ever, this car is available in a variety of guises, including the recently introduced range-topping Golf GTI Cabriolet and Golf R Cabriolet.  As part of the Open Now event, Volkswagen Financial Services is offering customers who take out a Solutions PCP package before 30 June a range of finance deals.  For example, those in the market for an S 1.2-litre TSI can benefit from a £1,000 Retailer deposit contribution, zero per cent finance and monthly payments of £199**.  

Also available is the Eos model, Volkswagen’s only cabriolet to combine all the benefits of a full convertible and a hard-top coupé with tilt and slide sunroof.  On this model too, Retailers are offering a £1,000 deposit contribution and zero per cent finance, with, for example, an Eos Sport 1.4-litre TSI available for £299** per month.

The newest soft-top in Volkswagen’s range, the Beetle Cabriolet, will also be turning heads at the event.  Launched just last month, the Beetle Cabrio retains the individuality and style for which the original is renowned, and combines it with all the state-of-the-art safety, technical and comfort features you would expect of Volkswagen.  As well as some attractive low rate finance offers, this model is available with free servicing for up to three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes sooner) when purchased on Solutions**.

With total sales of around 1.42 million units, Volkswagen is one of the world’s most successful producers of convertibles.  And with a wide range of engines, specifications and prices, there’s a Volkswagen cabriolet to suit every taste and pocket.  To locate your nearest Volkswagen Retailer visit http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer.

* Apologies to those in Scotland and Northern Ireland for whom this statement is sadly not true… Fortunately all Volkswagen cabriolets are engineered to be as warm, comfortable and refined with the roof up as their hard-top counterparts.  Drop tops for all seasons.

** Ts&Cs apply, see www.volkswagen.co.uk for full details and worked finance examples